LEO John Blatz died May 15, 2021 in Hospice care after a short battle with dementia. He was active and spry and mobile until Covid hit. His daily walks to Publix were legendary and when Covid hit in 2020 he was relegated to his apartment and a steady decline ensued. He has now joined his wife Marthann, who died in 2018, in God’s heavenly kingdom.
Leo was born and raised in Beech Grove, Indiana, the eldest child of Herb and Florence Blatz. He attended Notre Dame University on a full scholarship and upon graduation married his high school sweetheart Marthann Schaub and moved to New Jersey to work for Esso Standard Oil as a chemical engineer. He worked for Exxon for 37 years before retirement. He was fortunate to spend 42 years in retirement enjoying golf and boating and traveling. During his years with Exxon he lived in Brazil, London and Libya. He held many chemical processing patents and was chief environmentalist for Exxon when he retired. He was active in the International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association and served as their chairman in the 1970’s.
He survived by his sisters Margaret Forrester, Betty Walker, Marie Reid, Hilde Benton and two brothers, Jim and Joe Blatz. Also surviving are his two children Patti Hoysa and John Blatz and grandchildren Susan Polizzi (Doug), Cynthia, Chip Hoysa (Danielle) and Mike Hoysa (Mariana). He is also survived by 8 great grandchildren Jack, Lauren, Stella, Bridget, Sophia, Matthew, Katerina and Michael. Preceding Leo in death besides his wife were three sons, James, Robert and Christopher.
Donations may be made to the Leo and Marthann Educational Endowment at Cathedral High School, 5225 E. 56th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46226.
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